A trio of prolific offensive performers—Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson and Calvin Johnson—headline Sporting News’ 2012 NFL All-Pro team. The 26-man All-Star roster is based on the voting of 27 coaches and executives around the league.

Johnson was the most popular selection with 23 votes, with Peterson a close second at 22. Here’s a look at the entire team:

OFFENSE

Quarterback: Tom Brady, Patriots

Brady wasn't as efficient or prolific as he was in 2011, but you wouldn't know it with his 4,827 passing yards and 38 total touchdowns to just eight turnovers. It was more impressive considering he really never had top tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski healthy at the same time.

Running backs: Adrian Peterson, Vikings; Arian Foster, Texans

Peterson's 2,097 rushing yards (second-best all-time in a single season) coming off major knee surgery also earned him SN's Offensive and Comeback Player of the Year awards. Foster returned to durability with fine totals of his own: 1,641 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns.

Wide receivers: Calvin Johnson, Lions; Brandon Marshall, Bears

Johnson (122 receptions) passed Jerry Rice in the record books with 1,964 yards, falling just short of joining Peterson in the 2K club. Not to be forgotten in the division, Marshall had a huge first season in Chicago while reunited with Jay Cutler (118 receptions for 1,508 yards and 11 TDs).

Tight end: Jason Witten, Cowboys

Witten edged out fellow venerable veteran and future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez on the strength of a career-high 110 receptions for 1,039 yards at age 30.

Tackles: Joe Thomas, Browns; Ryan Clady, Broncos

Thomas has become a top-flight fixture at left tackle, and did well to help break in running back Trent Richardson and a more dynamic downfield passing game. Clady and the rest of Denver's fine line kept Peyton Manning clean and healthy.

It was a good year for rising youngsters at the position, but Pouncey held his ground in Pittsburgh over his twin brother Mike (Dolphins), Max Unger (Seahawks) and John Sullivan (Vikings).

DEFENSE

Ends: J.J. Watt, Texans; Cameron Wake, Dolphins

Watt rolled to SN defensive player of the year with 20 1/2 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and 16 batted down passes among his huge numbers out of Houston's 3-4. Wake made a great transition to 4-3 end with 15 sacks along with strong play against the run.

Tackles: Geno Atkins, Bengals; Justin Smith, 49ers

In just three years, Atkins (6-1, 300 pounds) has emerged as the league's premier 4-3 inside rusher as his sack total jumped to 13 this season. Not even consistent double-teams and a late injury could keep the relentless Smith from being recognized again.

Miller was the most dominant defender (18 1/2 sacks, 68 tackles, interception for TD, six forced fumbles) not named Watt. Smith showed he could be a complete outside player, boosting his sack total to 20 after producing 14 as a situational rookie. Ware still played very well (11 1/2 sacks, five forced fumbles) in a "off year" by his standards, helping Anthony Spencer get to the Pro Bowl opposite him.

He produced three total special teams touchdowns with a difference-making average on kickoffs (30.7 yards).

Punt returner: Leodis McKelvin, Bills

McKelvin scored on two of his 23 punt returns, on which he averaged a whopping 18.7 yards.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

Sporting News polled more than 800 NFL players, coaches and executives for our 2012 awards. Everyone voted for offensive and defensive player of the year, rookie of the year and comeback player of the year. Only coaches and executives voted for coach of the year, coordinator of the year, executive of the year and SN’s All-Pro team.